New collaboration to bring Welsh hydrogen car production a step closer

Welsh hydrogen car firm Riversimple and Siemens UK have signed a memorandum of understanding that focuses on regional skills development, sustainability and preparation for volume production of Riversimple’s hydrogen electric vehicles.

Riversimple is looking to raise £150mn over the next three years, to fund two manufacturing plants. The Powys-based firm aims to start commercial production of its eco coupe, the Rasa, in 2023, and a light goods vehicle the following year. It is estimated that each plant would create some 220 direct skilled jobs, making 5,000 vehicles per annum, as well as indirect jobs with suppliers.

Currently, Riversimple is building a low volume production run of Rasas for a trial with the general public based in Abergavenny in Monmouthshire. The trial is being supported by the UK government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) as part of the Hydrogen for Transport (HTP) programme.

The Rasa is a two-seater electric car, powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The chassis is a carbon fibre monocoque made from very lightweight carbon fibre composites; it weighs less than 40kg. The engineering prototype has clocked over 60 mph, according to Riversimple, and should do around 250 mpg (equivalent), with a range of 300 miles. Emissions are zero at the tailpipe and approximately 40 gCO₂/km well-to-wheel, reports the company.

Meanwhile, the OZEV is also funding a project to deliver a prototype zero emission ambulance for the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust (LAS) by autumn this year. Named ‘ZERRO’ (zero emission rapid response operations ambulance), the project is being led by UK hydrogen fuel company ULEMCo. Together with its partners, ULEMCo is moving to the prototype build stage, which incorporates a hydrogen fuel cell range extender with an electric drive, low frame chassis and bespoke lightweight ambulance body designed and manufactured by Woodall Nicholson Group’s Mellor, Promech Technologies and VCS.

Photo: Riversimple